Electricity meter



Dec. 1, 1931. F. HOLMES 1,834,779

ELECTRICITY METER Filed May 14, 1950 s Sheets-Sheet 1 E llllfl l/V VENTOR Dec. 1, 1931. r HOLMES ELECTRICITY METER Filed May 14, 1930 3-Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR W W A TORNEV III/III/IIII/I/AI/I/I III/IIIII/I/I/I/II/IIIII/I/III VIII/1671127111 ec. l, 1931. F. HOLMES L834,779

ELECTRICITY METER Filed May 14, 1930 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented Dec. 1, 1931 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE FREDERICK HOLMES, OF LA FAYETTE, INDIANA, ASSEGNOR TO DUNCAN ELEUI'RIC MANUFACTURING COMPANY, OF LA. FAYETTE, INDIANA, A CORPORATION OF ILLI- NOIS rmncrmcrrr Application filed May 14, 1930. Serial No. 452,323.

- My invention relates to electricity meters and is of particular servlce in connection with alternating current induction watthour meters.

My invention has for one of its objects the provision ofimproved means for preventing foreign matter from finding access to the meter chambers, the invention being of particular service in connection with meters that are mounted outdoors and then serving to guard the meters from access of rain. In

- carrying out this object of my invention I employ a sealing band which laps contiguous portions of the'base and cover that constitute a meter chamber which contains the motor and measuring. elements of the meter. The

cover, itself, is desirably inclusive of a band which surrounds the contiguous portion of the. base, the aforesaid sealing band lapping the band that forms a part of the cover and the contiguous portion of the meter base.

The sealing band is desirably 'arcuate and is attached at one end to the cover'and at the I other end to the meter base. I desirably pro tice to employ a box for partially or completely enclosing the meter to protect the meter and conduit system from the entrance of water, or to usea meter designedespecially for outdoor servi e. Where enclosing or partially enclosing boxes are used, the cost-1s high and the appearance is ungainly.

The invention has for another of its objects the provision of improved means for coupling the base and preferably the terminal chamber of a meter where such terminal chamber is employed, with a conduit through which the wiring is passed that connects the meter in service, whereby the wiring at the meter may be exposed for manipulation and testing and may be concealed to guard against access thereto. Where a meter of special outdoor construction is used, it is costly to provide a method of testing in situ as required by most public service commissions. Moreover such specialized outdoor meters cannot readily be interchanged with meters of common indoor construction. In carrying out this object of my invention I employ a housing through which the circuit conductors may be passed to the meter. This housing is normally held in assembly preferably with the terminal chamber of the meter, said terminal chamber or chamber base having a cover which prevents disassembly of the housing from the terminal chamber when the cover is closed and sealed. When this cover is unsealed and displaced the housing is free to become separated from the terminal chamber. The conduit is suitably assembled with the housing and desirably terminates therein, the housing being movable along the conduit when it is free to become disassembled from the terminal chamber. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the conduit is inclusive of an upright nipple which is screwed into the conduit at the lower end of the nipple, means being provided for preventing rotation of the nipple while the housing and meter chamber are assembled.

I preferably so design the meter that one terminal chamber cover may be employed for indoor installations and another terminal chamber cover for outdoor locations, the terminal chamber permitting the substitution of either cover' for the other. The parts employed in outdoor installation may readily be omitted to permit the indoor terminal chamber cover to be used for indoor installation.

One meter is thus adapted for either indoor or outdoor installation.

I will explain my invention more fully by reference to the accompanying drawings in which Fig. 1 is a side view, with parts in section and broken away, of the preferred embodiment of the invention showing the housing lowered and the terminal chamber cover removed; Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the meter associated with a conduit system for outdoor installation, parts being broken away; Fig. 3 is a sectional View on' line 3-3 of Fig. 2; Fig. 4' is a 100 fragmentary view in side elevation showing the preferred method of sealing the protecting band; Fig. 5 is a front elevation partly in section of the meter and equipment of Fig. 2; Fig. 6 is a fragmentary sectional View on line 66 of Fig. 5; Fig. 7 is a fragmentary perspective-view showing the preferred method'of sealing the glass cover, the main cover, of the meter and the attachment of one end of the protecting band to such cover; Fig. 8 is a sectional view on line 88 of Fig. 5; Fig. 9 is a side elevation showing the preferred method of protecting the conduit system against the entrance of water and guarding against theft of current when the meter is removed, parts being broken away and shown in section; Fig. 10 is a front elevation of the structure shown in Fig. 9; Fig. 11 is a sectional plan view of an alternative theft guarding arrangement; Fig. 12 is an elevation partly in section of the structure shown in Fig. 11; and Fig. 13 is an elevation of the preferred terminal chamber cover for indoor installations.

The meter illustrated is a single phase alternating current induction electricity watthour meter but it is obvious that the invention may also be used in connection with meters of other types and construction.

An alternating current watt-hour meter of a type commonly used is provided with a hollow metallic meter base 1 that supports the motor and measuring elements of the meter, and a glass cover portion 2 contituting the main cover of the meter for said elements.

This cover and base thus constitute a chamber for the motor and measuring elements of the meter. A meter of this general type is disclosed in Patent 1,664,673 issued to Albert L. Emens April 3, 1928. The meter shown herein also includes a sealing bar 3, a metallic terminal chamber 4, and mounting screws 5, 5 and 5 This terminal chamber is a downward extension of the meter base 1. A composite metallic band composed of parts 6 and 7 is, permanently assembled with the glass cover portion 2 and may be separately assembled, as by means of bayonet projection and slot formations, with the meter base. The band 6, 7 and the glass portion'2 constitute the main meter cover. no novel part of my invention. Another metallic band 8, preferably arcuate, covers the joint made between the metallic bands 6 and 7 and the meter base 1 in such a way as to prevent rain from gaining access to the in terior of the meter through the gasket 9 which seals the opposed faces of cover portion 2 and the meter base 1. Any water which might pass between the meter base 1 and the metallic band 8 would be received inthe comparatively open arcuate space 10 that is afforded by .the convex shape of the band 8 from which space the water would flow quickly at the ends of this band and without entering This feature forms the meter cover or base. Water is carried away from the parts below the band 8 so rapidly by the force of gravity that it has no opportunity to enter the meter through the lower portion of the band 6, 7 that is uncovered by the band 8. v

One end of the band 8 has an aperture 11 which receives the lug 12 on the band 6 of the meter cover. The other end of the band 8 is provided with a toggle mechanism of which the bar 13 is assembled with the pin 14 at the upper end of the bar, the lower end of this bar being penetrated by the shank of a thumb screw 15 that is screwed into the body ,of the terminal chamber 4. The shank of this thumb screw serves as a pivot for the lower end of the arm 13. The shoulder of thumb screw 15 clamps the outdoor chamber cover 17 against the body of terminal chamber 4 without preventing the arm 13 from turning freely. The toggle arm 16 is drawn down against the thumb screw 15 and may be sealed with the sealing bar 18 which is passed through holes provided in this arm, the Wings of thumb screw 15 and another thumb screw 15 that also is screwed into the terminal chamber holds cover 17 to the terminal chamber. Any type of seal may be used, but I have chosen to illustrate a lead seal 19. WVhen the toggle mechanism has been manipulated as just described, the band 8 is tightened for the purpose stated. When the sealing bar 18 has been applied the toggle mechanism is locked in its band tightening position, whereby the main meter cover is further secured to the meter base and in a manner to guard the joint between this cover and base and to afford the passage 10 for the drainage of water. When the outdoor cover 17 is to be removed and replaced by the indoor cover the sealing rod 18 is removed and the thumb screws 15 withdrawn.

In Figs. 5 and 6, the terminal chamber outdoor cover 17 is shown as carrying a cup portion 21 which receives the headed stud 20 which is carried by the body of the terminal chamber. This stud serves as a hinge for the regular terminal chamber cover 22 shown in Fig. 13 when the meter is used for regular indoor installations. This cover 22 and said stud are separablv assembled at the key hole slot 21' in said cover, the head of the stud being insertable through the larger end of said slot whereafter the cover is shifted endwise to place the shank of the stud in the smaller end of said slot.

Before the meter of my invention is installed, the installer will run his conduit on the outside of the building and in it will place a T 23. I supply a conduit section or nipple 24 which is to be screwed into the stem of the T 23. The upper end of the nipple 23 is passed through an opening in the bottom of metallic housing 25 which is confined between nuts 26 and 27 on the nipple. I cut iio away the portion of the nipple between its threaded ends in order that the nut 26 may be dropped near the T to permit the housmg to be dropped close to the T, Fig. The threading at the upper end of the nipple is likewise since the upper threads of nipple 24 will be used from time to time, I prefer to make the nipple 24 of non-corrosive substance,'such as aluminum. The polygonal nut 27 fits into a corresponding polygonal recess 28 in the bottom of housing 25. If an attempt be made to turn nipple 24 in a counterclockwise direction as viewed from the top while the housing 25 is inthe position shown in Fig. 2, the short screws 29 and 29',

which are screwed into the nipple 24 and then riveted over inside and outside the nipple 24, will be brought up against nut 27 that is held, from rotation in recess 28, whereby the nipple is held from material rotation.-

The upright nipple 24 cannot be turned in clockwise direction as viewed from above because of the tapered pipe thread which I provide at the lower end of the nipple and the upper end of T 23. Housing 25 is provided with a projecting shoulder or flange 30.

- This shoulder is engaged by the terminal chamber cover 17'wl1en both are in the position shown in Figs. 2, 4 and 5. Nut 26 can, of course, be lowered by anyone desiring to gain access to the'wiring, but such action will be of no avail as long as the seal 19 is left intact.

Housing'25 has a four-sided extension or rim 31 which extends upwardly into the 1161- low downwardly projecting flange 32 of'the terminal chamber extension 4 of base 1. The flange 32, therefore,- completely encircles the rim 31, thus amply safe-guarding the conduit system against the entrance of rain. The terminal chamber cover 17 is rendered proof against the entrance of rain by means of the gasket 33 which fits between the terminal chamber cover 17 and a rim 17' which goes completely around and is pro vided upon the front of the terminal chamber 4. The

.thumb screws 15 and 15' serve to compress the gasket 33 between the cover 17 and the rim 17.

The-nipple 24 is assembled with the housing 25 at the factory. Thenut 27 as well as the screws 29 and 29' are also placed in posit on at the factory. In connecting the meter with the conduit element 23, the nipple 24 is first screwed home to the limit permitted by the tapering pipe thread at the bottom of the nipple and during this operation the housing 25 and the nut 26 are lowered but held sufficiently high to provide a pipe wrench hold on the unthreaded portion of the nipple. After the meterlias been mounted,

housing 25 will be raised into the position,

shown in Figs. 2 and 5, the terminal chamber cover 17 the thumb screws 15 and 15, and the sealing bar 18 with seal 19, will be put in place as illustrated in Fig. 5.

If it is desired to test the meter, it will simply be necessary to break the seal 19, take out the sealing bar 18, remove'the thumb screws 15 and 15, also the terminal chamber cover 17, and back oil? the nut 26. The housing 25 will then be lowered and the terminals of the meter, in the meter terminal chamber, will be accessible for any type of test that may be desired.

It will also be readily understood that if test facilities .are provided in the terminal chamber of the meter it'will be entirely un-.

necessary to lower housing 25 unless the meter is to be disconnected and removed. It is also apparent that a test block may be mounted so as to bejsupported by the binding posts of the meterand so as to extend downwardly into thehousing 25 when the meter is in the position shown in Fig. 2 and that this test block will be accessible when the housing is lowered.

If the meter is disconnected and removed it will be" necessary to protect the conduit system against the entrance of rain and the wiringfagainst theft of current. therefore, provided a cap in the form of a casting 34 (Figs. 9 and 10) which'is provided I with mounting holes 35 so that it may be secured to the wall in the same manner as the location of the two lower mounting screw holes of the terminal chamber 4. The'cap 34 receives the housing extension 31 and engages [the flange 30 of the housing 25. I

In Figs. 11 and 12, I have illustrated one of many alternative constructions for the ends accomplished by the nut 27 and riveted screws 29 and 29. The screws 29 and 29 are screwed into the upper end of the nipple 24 and serve to hold the oval shaped washer 27 in position. The oval shaped recess 28' cooperates with the washer-27" to'prevent counterclockwise motion as viewed from above of the nipple 24 when the housing 25 is in its raised position. 0

When the meter is to be used indoors, the nipple 24, housing 25, terminal chamber cover 17, and thumb screws 15 and 15 may be dispensed with and the terminal chamber cover 22 shown in Fig. 13 substituted for term'inalgchamber cover 17.

I have,

essary for the purpose of testing the meter in situ.

The structure herein described relating to the installation of the meter and the testing thereof in situ constitutes the claimed subject matter of my divisional application Ser. N 0. 538,352.

Changes may be made without departing from the invention.

Having thus described my invention, I

- claim:

1. In an electricity meter, a hollow base, a removable cover on the base, a band overlapping contiguous portions of the base and cover, an arcuate second band overlapping contiguous portions of the first band and the base and having portions in sealing contact with the outer surfaces of the first band and base respectively, and means for clamping said band in place.

2. In an electricity meter, a hollow base, a removable cover on the base, a band overlapping contiguous portions of the base and cover, and an arcuate second band overlapping contiguous portions of the .first band and base and having one portion thereof in sealing contact with the outer surface of the first band and another portion thereof in sealing contact with the outer surface of the base, said last named portion being spaced from the adjacent edge of the first band to provide a drain channel between said last named portion and the adjacent edge of the first band, and means for clamping said band in place.

3. In an electricity meter, a hollow base, a removable cover on the base, a band overlapping contiguous portions of the base and cover, and an arcuate second band overlapping contiguous portions. of the first band and base, said second band being attached at one end to the cover and at its other and to the base and further having portions in sealing contact with the outer surfaces of the first band and base respectively.

4. In an electricity meter, a hollow base,

end of the second band to the base to tightly clamp the second band in place.

5. In an electricity meter, a hollow base, a removable cover on the base, a band overlapping contiguous portions of the cover and base, an arcuate second band overlapping contiguous portions of the first band and base and having portions insealing contact with the second band and base and being attached at one end to the cover, and a toggle mechanism connecting the other end of the second band with the base and operable to tightljy clamp said second band in place.

6. 11 an electricity meter, a hollow base a removable cover on the base, aterminal chamber extending laterally from the base and including a removable cover, a band overlapping contiguous portions of the base and its cover, an arcuate second band overlapping contiguous portions of the first band and base and having portions in sealing contact with the second band and base and being attached at one end to the cover, a toggle mechanism connecting the other end of the second band with the base and operable to tightly clamp said second band in place, and common means for simultaneously locking said toggle mechanism in band clamping position and the terminal chamber cover against removal. I

In witness whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name.

' FREDERICK HOLMES.

a removable cover on the base, a band overlapping contiguous portions of the cover and base, an arcuate second band overlapping contiguous portions of the first band and base and having portions in sealing contact with the second hand and base respectively and being attached at one end to the cover, and clamping means connecting the other 

